Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia
Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could and should be. Since then, I have striven to provide excellent service so that my clients and patients have the best possible experience during such a difficult and tender time.
Education
Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988
Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992
Certifications
3CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified
- Based InLittleton, CO
- Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
- Work Experience34+ years
- Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
- Notice Required2 hours
General availability
SundayTimes Vary Weekly
Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.
Services provided
At home pet euthanasia
Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones
Est. CostStarting at $349
Keepsakes
Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned
Est. CostFrom $18 - $265
Quality of life consult
Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.
Est. CostStarting at $225
What pet parents are saying
Losing my buddy Bexley was the second hardest thing in my life (second to losing my brother, a close second). He meant so much to me. We've been through so much together! He was a Colorado born dog but had traveled with me from coast to coast (multiple times). I was super fortunate in that we were together almost 24/7 since COVID. When I had to go into the office, my boss let him come too. He made the office brighter. Clients loved it! I've worked from home the past three years making our close bond even closer. Dr. Schmalz was extremely kind, professional, efficient, thorough and COMPASSIONATE! She made sure any questions I had were answered. She treated him with so much respect and dignity. Even though he traveled thousands of miles in cars, he never liked riding in the car. I cannot imagine driving him to the vet for this process! How that would have made him feel. Because of Dr. Schmalz, he was able to be relaxed at home on his pile of favorite blankets! This meant the world to me; ensuring he could be as comfortable as possible. Thank you Dr. Schmalz!
Dr Lori was so incredibly empathetic and professional. She helped us send our furbaby over the rainbow bridge in our backyard under a tree on a sunny spring morning. She treated our Bear with compassion, dignity, and respect. She was so kind to us as we went through this very sad loss of our boy of 16 years. I will call her again to help my other aging babies cross the rainbow bridge when their time comes. Thank you, Dr Lori for guiding us and helping us through this difficult event.
We were so thankful that Dr. Schmalz was able to come to our home on a Sunday (the same day we contacted her) to provide an in-home pet euthanasia for our sweet, beloved cat who had started to suffer dramatically the night before. Although putting a pet down is always incredibly difficult to decide upon and go through, we were so grateful that Dr. Schmalz could do this in our home where our cat was most comfortable and at peace in his final moments, where we felt more able to grieve openly, and where our other pets could be close by and better process the loss. Having now been through pet euthanasia procedures in both clinical and at-home settings, I will always choose in-home pet euthanasia going forward. Dr. Schmalz was so kind, compassionate, and respectful and really made this process as peaceful as we could ask for. Thank you so much for this amazing service.
I have had pets euthanized in the past but my experience with Dr Lori was the best experience I could have had in such sad times with baby, Oscar. She was so gentle, calm, kind and not once did I feel rushed by her. Dr Lori talked to me about Oscar’s life, my favorite memories and I know that his at home, euthanasia, with her, was the best choice for him. I felt so comfortable with handing her over Oscar and knowing he was in the best hands he could be in. Thank you again Dr Lori!
Such a difficult time putting down our sweet cat of 18 years. But having Dr Lori come to the house it made the process so much easier with Dr Lori's compassion, explaining everything letting both our cat and us take our time with the process. No other way to go than to use Coda Pets and I would request Dr Lori. Thank you!
Thank you, Dr. Schmalz, for your kindness and compassion while I was dealing with the transition of my boy Bentley this afternoon. I never felt rushed or awkward while I blubbered and cried and listened to his last breaths. You gave me plenty of time to be with him as long as I needed. I was so comforted with how peaceful he looked all bundled up in blankets and his head resting on a pillow. It may seem weird, but that's now one of my favorite pictures of him. Thank you.
